Laundry - Outdoor Stains

Warm weather calls for outdoor activities – baseball and soccer games, barbeques with friends, and tidying up the yard. Unfortunately, new clothes are no match for grass and mud stains that inevitably end up on fabrics.

These tough stains can be a chore to remove, but fabric care experts at the Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science, have a few solutions.

Experts recommend first checking the care label on the garment and treating the stain as soon as possible to prevent stains from setting. The Institute of Fabric Science offers tips below to fight common springtime stains.

• Mud – Rain showers often bring muddy clothing. To treat, allow dirt or mud to dry then use a soft brush to remove excess dirt. Rinse in cold water to flush out the soil, and then wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. Air dry and check the garments to be sure the stain was removed. Repeat if necessary.
• Grass – Anyone with kids knows grass-stained jeans are tough to tackle. First, soak the garment in a solution of water and detergent before washing in the warmest water safe for the garment. Air dry and check the garment carefully to be sure stain was removed. Repeat if necessary.
• Rust – Cleaning out the garage or shed can sometimes lead to rust stains. To remove the stain, follow the package directions on a commercial rust remover designed for fabrics. Follow up with a wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. Air dry garment and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat treatment if necessary.
• Perspiration stains – Nothing ruins a white shirt like underarm stains. To treat, soak the garment in a solution of water and detergent for up to 30 minutes then wash in the warmest water safe for the garment. Air dry and check the garment for any remaining stain. Repeat if necessary.